Be There or Be Square

If you visiting Toulouse and want a home that's right in the heart of the action, you can't really get a better position than this apartment in a listed building around the edge of Capitole Square. Simply step out your door and you're right outside the town hall, an opera house and plenty of cafes from which to watch the world go by.

With this prime spot, you might be readying yourself for compromises with the home itself, but thankfully that's not the case. The double-height windows bring in copious amounts of natural light and the design inside is a pleasing mix of characterful period features, like the exposed brickwork and terracotta tiling, and contemporary flourishes — the white kitchen finishes being a good example.

Aside from the public square, the home also puts you in a superb position to explore the fourth-biggest city in France. The Museum of Old Toulouse is two minutes' walk away, while the Basilica of Saint Sernin is nine minutes away on foot. The banks of River Garonne are a similar amount of time away if you fancy a waterside amble.

Home truths:
*There's an elevator to reach this home on the first floor, although the bedroom and bathroom are on a mezzanine level, which might make it unsuitable for guests with reduced mobility
*The building has no private parking, but there's a paid car park a minute's walk from the apartment
*Your host can provide a high chair for free upon request